(3) THESE SPECIFIC DROPOUT RISKS ARE ADDRESSED WHEN EVERY CHILD HAS FIVE BASIC NEEDS MET

Every child needs and deserves a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult
On September 1st, The Elizabeth Starr Academy held its Study Buddy Orientation for the 2010-2011 school year. Volunteers gathered in the school library, excited to rekindle friendships with their students after summer break. Faces lit up as students entered one by one. Haley Dixon, a fourth-grader at ESA, and her mentor, Patricia Miller, gave each other a warm hug. Mrs. Miller is starting her third year as Haley’s Study Buddy and has become an invaluable support to her. The two share lunch once a week and talk on the phone every Thursday night - even over the summer. Mrs. Miller has encouraged Haley through some difficult and bleak family times by helping with homework and lending a caring ear when Haley most needs one. Mrs. Miller has made a huge impact on Haley’s life and Haley’s impact on Mrs. Miller has been just as huge!
Every child needs and deserves a safe place to learn and grow
CISWC congratulates Richmond High School for receiving the Lugar Education Patriot Award, recognizing RHS for its improvement in their graduation rate.  Emphasizing the “community of folks who are going above and beyond”, Senator Lugar, State Superintendent Tony Bennett, and Dr. Allen Bourff acknowledged the support of Communities In Schools and other volunteers and businesses during a celebration at Richmond High School Tiernan Center on August 30.
Every child needs and deserves a healthy start and a healthy future
Vaile Elementary recently hosted their first family night of the year. The theme of the event was Literacy and nearly 200 parents and students attended! Students and teachers were encouraged to dress up as a character from their favorite book. Purdue Extension Service gave a demonstration on Healthy foods and distributed fruit (donated by Wal-Mart) to all families.
Every child needs and deserves a marketable skill to use upon graduation
Back in 1991, when Jennifer Thomas was an 8th grader, she received a mailing from an Indiana agency telling her about a brand new program. “Twenty-First Century Scholars” would pay her college tuition if she kept her grades up and stayed away from drugs and alcohol throughout high school. Years later, Jennifer not only went to college but earned a Master’s degree in education. Communities In Schools is actively seeking out other “Jennifers” who need to know about programs that will take them to college and beyond.
Every child needs and deserves a chance to give back to peers and community
On Friday, October 8th, Peer Helpers from Centerville, Hagerstown, Northeastern, Lincoln, and Union County
High Schools participated in the Wayne County Peer Helper Training held at IU East. Students participated in breakout sessions led by ACT Out, acting troop; Ed Fitzgerald, Professor from IU East; and Hollie Day,
Program Director from CIS.

I love the fact that so many people in Wayne County are coming together to help kids.
~ Vivian Ashmawi, CISWC Executive Director